Portable Swimming Pool Rail

ABSTRACT

Described is a portable swimming pool rail to help users enter and exit in-ground swimming pools. The portable swimming pool rail includes a continuous, rectangular frame having a first section that rests flush against a pool deck, and a second section perpendicular to the first section that is parallel to a pool wall. The second section extends underneath the surface of the water in the pool, and provides a surface for a user to grasp while resting. Further, the second section can serve as a step to help users exit the pool. The first section of the frame is weighted and is heavier than the second section so as to help maintain the position of the frame on the pool edge. The swimming pool rail can be placed anywhere alongside of a pool to provide an easily grasped surface for a user to hold.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/900,681 filed on Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Portable Pool Grip.” Theabove identified patent application is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to swimming pool rails and ladders. Morespecifically, the present invention provides a portable swimming poolrail comprising a substantially rectangular frame that is bent at aninety degree angle. A first section of the frame rests on a pool deck,while a second section of the frame is spaced from, and is parallel to,the pool wall. The second section of the frame extends into the water sothat a user may hold onto the second section of the frame while restingat the side of the pool. Alternatively, the frame may be used to assistthe user in entering or exiting the pool.

Many people enjoy swimming in swimming pools. Children may play games ina swimming pool or take swimming lessons. Adults swim laps in swimmingpools for an aerobic workout or simply for leisure. Adults and childrenalike often rest within the pool and on the side of the pool once theyhave grown tired, or when they simply wish to relax. However, holdingthe edge of a swimming pool can be uncomfortable, and the edge of aswimming pool may be difficult for some users to grasp. Further, exitingthe pool from the side of a pool is difficult for many users, as thesmooth, flat wall of the swimming pool provides no support for the userand makes it difficult for users to pull their body out of the poolwithout the assistance of a ladder or similar support device.

Some swimming pools include rails alongside of the pool in order to helpusers enter and exit the pool, and to provide users with a surface thatis easy to grip. However, permanently installed rails require expensiveinstallation and cannot easily be removed if the user later decides thatthe rails are no longer needed. Further, many users may find that suchrails decrease the aesthetic appearance of their swimming pool.

The present invention provides a portable swimming pool rail comprisinga substantially rectangular, continuous frame. The frame comprises afirst section that is substantially perpendicular to a second section.The first section is adapted to rest flush against a pool deck, and thesecond section is adapted to be positioned parallel to the pool wall. Inthis way, the second section can be used as a surface for a user tograsp or step on in order to enter or exit the pool. The first sectionmay be weighted such that it is heavier than the second section in orderto help maintain the position of the swimming pool rail once placed inthe desired location. In this way, the first section serves as acounterweight in order to maintain the position of the swimming poolrail.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to portableswimming pool rails and supports. These include devices that have beenpatented and published in patent application publications. These devicesgenerally relate to portable swimming pool chairs that can be removablypositioned on the edge of a pool. The following is a list of devicesdeemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are hereindescribed for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating theunique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting thedrawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device is U.S. Patent Application Publication Number2011/0099708 to Freedman, which discloses a portable pool chair thatallows a user to sit partially submerged in the pool. The portable chaircomprises a water container that rests on the pool deck, a tubular seatsupport frame, a back support, and a seat member with a rotatable seat.The water container may have a resilient stop member on the bottomsurface thereof to help secure the portable chair to the pool deck.Further, the water container can be filled with water in order to weighdown the water container and hold the chair in position alongside of apool. The seat and the water container may be folded against the backsupport in order to provide portability to the device when not in use.Thus, Freedman discloses a portable chair with a water container used tohold down the device, whereas the present invention discloses a portableswimming pool rail having a rigid structure that does not need to befilled with water or unfolded in order to be used.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2008/0092285 to Petersendiscloses a chair for use in a swimming pool. The chair comprisessupport arms that rest on the pool deck, and legs positioned below thechair that rest against the pool wall. The chair is composed of hollowtubing with drains thereon to allow water to enter and exit the chair.The chair comprises non-slip grip pads to help secure the device to thepool deck. Alternatively, suction cups could be used to secure the chairto the pool deck and pool wall. Thus, Petersen fails to disclose aportable pool rail comprising a frame with a first section that rests onthe pool deck and that is weighted in order to maintain the position ofthe frame alongside of a pool. Further, Petersen does not disclose adevice that secures to the pool deck surface by frictional engagement,without the use of additional fasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,363 to Huff discloses a hanging wall table for usewith swimming pools. The table engages the pool wall with a J-shapedhanging support and the table includes a shelf-like surface thereon. Thelower ends of the frame of the table include suction cups thereon inorder to provide stability for the table. Huff does not disclose aportable swimming pool rail that assists users in entering and exitingthe swimming pool. Further, Huff does not disclose a device that isweighted and secures to a poolside by means of frictional engagementwith the pool deck. Instead, Huff discloses the use of J-shaped hangingmembers and suction cups to secure the table alongside of a pool.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,075 to Brett discloses a portable ladder forswimming pools. Brett discloses a ladder device that facilitates entryand exit from portable and above-ground pools. The device includes anupright wall having a series of rungs that extends over the pool walland extends downward into the pool. The ladder can be tethered to thepool by means of a strap anchored within the pool, in order to positionthe ladder within the pool so as to prevent unauthorized users, such asyoung children and trespassers, from using the ladder to enter the pool.Accordingly, Brett fails to disclose a portable pool grip that can bepositioned along the side of an above ground pool to help users enterand exit the pool. In contrast, the present invention provides a simpleconstruction that utilizes frictional engagement to stay securely inplace.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,045 to Larsen discloses a portable poolside chairthat allows a user to sit partially submerged in a pool. The chaircomprises a frame with a pool deck portion placed on the deck surface, abackrest portion with armrests that contact the pool wall, and a seatportion at the lower end of the backrest that protrudes into the poolfrom the pool wall. The frame sections are pivotally coupled in order toallow the chair to be folded for transportation and storage. The pooldeck portion has support bar members with friction-enhancing material tohelp prevent movement of the pool deck portion. Thus, Larsen fails todisclose a portable swimming pool rail having a rigid frame with aweighted section that is placed on the pool deck in order to maintainthe swimming pool rail in position alongside of a pool.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,527 to Schober discloses a pool chair thatcan be partially submerged in water. The chair includes a frame with aseat and an upper cross bar member that rests along the pool deck. Theframe is composed of a plurality of tubular members connected togetherby elbows and T-joints. The ends of the tubular elements may be threadedand the internal surfaces of the elbows and T-joints are threaded toallow the frame to be assembled or disassembled. Thus, Schober does notdisclose a swimming pool rail having a first section perpendicular to asecond section, wherein the second section helps a user to exit andenter a swimming pool.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. Many devices inthe prior art disclose portable pool chairs for installation alongsideof the pool such that a user can sit in the pool partially submerged.However, these chair structures are suited for allowing a user to sit ina pool, and may not allow for a user to easily enter and exit the pool.Further, some devices require the pool chair or table to be attached tothe pool wall via attachment means such as suction cups, or by filling acontainer with water in order to act as a weight. However, thesefeatures are inconvenient as they require the user to undertakeadditional steps to secure the portable pool chair or table to the sideof the pool.

In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, the presentinvention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior artand consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for animprovement to existing portable swimming pool rail or support devices.In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofportable swimming pool rails now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new portable swimming pool rail wherein the samecan be utilized for providing convenience for the user when entering orexiting a pool.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved portable swimming pool rail device that has all of theadvantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portableswimming pool rail device comprising a rigid, frame-like structure thatcan be easily placed and repositioned along the side of an in-groundpool as desired by a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portableswimming pool rail device that comprises a weighted section that helpsto maintain the swimming pool rail in position alongside of the pool.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portableswimming pool rail device that helps users to easily enter and exit apool.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portableswimming pool rail device that provides users with an easily graspablesurface while resting within the pool and near the edge of the pool.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portableswimming pool rail device that may be readily fabricated from materialsthat permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the portable swimming pool rail ofthe present invention as positioned on the edge of a pool.

FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the portable swimming poolrail of the present invention as positioned on the edge of a pool.

FIG. 3 shows a section of the frame composed of a joint and straightsections of pipe.

FIG. 4 shows a view of an embodiment of the frame composed of a pair ofU-shaped sections connected by joints.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the portable swimming pool rail device. For the purpose ofpresenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, thepreferred embodiment will be discussed as used for helping users enterand exit a pool, and providing users with a gripping surface whileresting near the edge of a pool. The figures are intended forrepresentative purposes only and should not be considered to be limitingin any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of theportable swimming pool rail of the present invention as positioned onthe edge of a pool. The portable swimming pool rail 11 comprises acontinuous frame 12 that is composed of a rigid, durable material thatwill not rust from exposure to water. In an exemplary embodiment, theframe 12 is composed of hard plastics such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC).Further, the frame 12 may include a rubber coating thereon that helps tocushion the frame 12. The frame 12 is lightweight such that it can beeasily transported to a desired location on the side of a pool. Further,the frame 12 may have a hollow interior in order to minimize the totalweight of the portable swimming pool rail 11. In other embodiments, theframe 12 can be substantially solid.

Additionally, the frame 12 preferably has a circular cross-section inthe exemplary embodiment, as users may find the circular cross-sectionto be easy to grab and hold. In other embodiments of the invention,however, the frame 12 may have a square cross-section. The squarecross-section has the benefit of a greater surface area in contact withthe pool deck 22 than does a circular cross-section, increasing frictionand helping the swimming pool rail 11 to maintain its position. However,some users may find a circular cross-section to be easier to grab andhold than a square cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame 12 has asubstantially rectangular shape. The frame 12 comprises a first end 17,a second end 18, a first side 15, and a second side 16, defining theperimeter of the frame 12. Further, the frame 12 is bent at a ninetydegree angle so as to define a first section 13 that is perpendicular toa second section 14. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the first and second sections 13, 14 are of equal proportion. However,in other embodiments of the present invention, the first section 13comprises a greater proportion of the frame 12 than does the secondsection 14.

Accordingly, the first section 13 of the frame 12 can rest in ahorizontal orientation on a pool deck 22, while the second section 14 ofthe frame 12 can rest in a vertical orientation spaced from, andparallel to, the pool wall 21. In this way, the first section 13 andsecond section 14 each resemble a U-shape, wherein the first and secondsections 13, 14 are connected such that they are perpendicular to oneanother. Each U-shaped section comprises a pair of terminal ends, andthe terminal ends of the first section 13 are connected to the terminalends of the second section 14 such that said first and second sections13, 14 define a continuous frame 12.

In use, the second section 14 of the frame 12 is partially submergedbeneath the surface of the water 20 in the pool. This allows a user whohas grown tired of swimming to rest on the edge of the pool using theportable swimming pool rail 11 of the present invention. The user cangrasp a portion of the swimming pool rail 11 with his or her hands andthe rail 11 provides the user with an easily grasped surface relative tothe edge of the pool. Further, the user can step onto the second section14 of the frame 12 in order to exit or enter the pool. Morespecifically, the user can step on the upper surface 19 of the secondend 18 of the frame 12, allowing the user to support his or her weightin order to facilitate ingress or egress from the pool.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side-cross sectional view ofthe swimming pool rail of the present invention. A user can position theportable swimming pool rail 11 alongside any portion along the peripheryof an in-ground swimming pool. Preferably, the swimming pool rail 11 ispositioned such that the second section 14 is spaced from the pool wall21, so that a user can grab and wrap his or her fingers around the frame12. Once placed in a desired position, the swimming pool rail 11 isadapted to remain in place. Further, the swimming pool rail 11 is ableto support a user's weight thereon such a user can step on the frame 12to enter or exit the pool, and can hold onto the frame 12 in order torest alongside the pool.

In order to maintain the frame 12 in position on the pool deck 22, thefirst section 13 of the frame 12 is weighted. In embodiments of thepresent invention having a hollow frame, the first section 13 of theframe 12 can be weighted by disposing dense or heavy filler materialwithin the first section 13 of the frame 12, such that the first section13 of the frame 12 is heavier than the second section 14 of the frame.In embodiments wherein the frame 12 is solid, and does not have a hollowinterior, the first section 13 of the frame 12 may be composed of aheavy or dense material relative to the second section 14. The weightedfirst section 13 helps to counterbalance the weight of the user restingon the second section 14 of the frame 12. Thus, the first section helpsto maintain the frame 12 in position on the pool deck 22 such that theframe 12 is not easily moved out of position, or pulled into the poolwhen the user rests his or her weight thereon. The second section 14 ofthe frame 12 includes sufficient weight that the second section 14 doesnot float on the water in the pool.

Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the bottomsurface of the frame 12 that is in contact with the pool deck 22comprises a non-slip, high-friction material thereon. The frame 12 maycomprise a non-slip coating, or can be composed of a high-friction,non-slip material. Thus, the non-slip material further helps to preventthe frame 12 from moving from a desired position. In this way, the frame12 can be secured in position by frictional engagement with the pooldeck 22. No fasteners are required in order to secure the swimming poolrail 11 to the pool edge, which facilitates portability of the deviceand the ease of which a user can install or remove the device.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame 12 is ofunitary construction such that the frame 12 is a single structure. Inother embodiments of the present invention, the frame 12 is composed ofa plurality of tubular sections and joints. The joints include ninetydegree bends so as to create the frame 12 of the present invention. Thetubular sections can be removably secured together via press fit, boreattachment, or the like. Further, the tubular sections can havethreading thereon such that the tubular sections can be secured togetherby means of the threading.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of a joint and tubularsections used to create a portion of the swimming pool rail of thepresent invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame comprisestubular sections 24 that are substantially straight and that can beconnected to one another by joints 23 in order to produce the swimmingpool rail 11 of the present invention. The joints 23 are bent atninety-degree angles, and the joints 23 have a first end 25 and a secondend 26. To form the bent, rectangular swimming pool rail of the presentinvention, six tubular sections 24 and six joints 23 are required. Eachend of the joints 23 is adapted to receive a tubular section 24 therein.The tubular sections 24 can be secured to the joints 23 by press fittingor by a threaded engagement. In this way, the frame can be disassembledfor storage and can be easily assembled for use alongside of a pool. Insuch embodiments, the tubular sections 24 are able to be securedtogether to create a water-tight seal, so as to prevent water fromentering the hollow interior of the tubular sections 24. Further, one ormore of the tubular sections 24 may be weighted, or a filler materialmay be provided that can be disposed within a tubular section 24 inorder to help maintain the assembled frame in position alongside of apool.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of an embodiment of theframe having a pair of U-shaped sections connected by joints. In theembodiment shown, the frame 12 comprises a first section 13 comprising asingle U-shaped member and a second section 14 also comprising a singleU-shaped member. The first section 13 and second section 14 are securedtogether by means of a pair of ninety-degree joints 23. The joints 23are adapted to position the first section 13 perpendicularly to thesecond section 14 and the joints 23 do not bend or flex. The first andsecond sections 13, 14 can be secured within the joints 23 by pressfitting, threaded engagement, or various other means of fastening. Inthis way, the device can be disassembled for storage, and can be easilyassembled by securing the first and second sections 13, 14 to the pairof joints 23.

In the embodiment shown, the portable swimming pool rail 11 furtherincludes padding 27 disposed over the frame 12. The padding 27 istubular so as to substantially enclose the frame 12. The padding 27 maybe disposed only on the second section 14 of the frame 12 wherein theuser may hold or grip the frame 12. The padding 27 may be disposed onthe entirety of the frame 12, or only on a portion thereof. In theembodiment shown, the padding 27 is disposed only on the straightsections of the frame 12, and is not disposed on the corners or jointsthereof. The padding 27 provides a comfortable surface for users togrip, and also provides cushioning for the otherwise hard and rigidframe 12. The padding 27 may comprise any suitable soft, durablematerial that can be exposed to water, including but not limited to,rubber.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A portable swimming pool rail, comprising a tubular framecomprising a first U-shaped section that is connected to, and issubstantially perpendicular to, a second U-shaped section; wherein saidfirst U-shaped section is connected to said second U-shaped section soas to form a continuous, rectangular frame; wherein said first U-shapedsection is adapted to be positioned flush against a pool deck andwherein said second U-shaped section is adapted to be positioned flushagainst a pool wall.
 2. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein saidframe is hollow.
 3. The swimming pool rail of claim 2, wherein saidfirst U-shaped section comprises a filler material therein such thatsaid first U-shaped section is heavier than said second U-shapedsection.
 4. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame has asquare cross-section.
 5. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein saidframe has a circular cross-section.
 6. The swimming pool rail of claim1, wherein said frame further comprises a bottom surface that is adaptedto directly contact said pool deck and said pool wall; wherein saidbottom surface comprises a non-slip material thereon.
 7. The swimmingpool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame is a singular, unitarystructure.
 8. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame haspadding thereon.
 9. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein saidfirst U-shaped section is substantially equal in dimension to saidsecond U-shaped section.
 10. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, whereinsaid first U-shaped section of said frame comprises a greater proportionof said frame than said second U-shaped section.
 11. The swimming poolrail of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of straighttubular sections that is connected to a plurality of joints having aninety-degree bend.
 12. The swimming pool rail of claim 11, wherein saidplurality of straight tubular sections are removably connected to saidplurality of joints by threading disposed on said plurality of straighttubular sections and on said plurality of joints.
 13. The swimming poolrail of claim 11 wherein said plurality of straight tubular sections areremovably connected to said plurality of joints via press fit.